Yeah but that's the point at which I realized I might as well just order from Paul and get exactly what I want, so that's what I did
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For you who own or have owned both a MK1 and MK2 4 string: what is the main difference in playing feel? I have three Wals and played many more but never played a 4 string MK 2 or 3.
I might be interested in a swap for my shedua 4 string fretted MK1 since I prefer to have a 4 string 24 fret neck lately.
I might be interested in a swap for my shedua 4 string fretted MK1 since I prefer to have a 4 string 24 fret neck lately.
I've had both! The Mk1 had neck dive until I swapped to the lite tuners, and in general it's less ergonomic and has a more pronounced v shape to the neck profile. The Mk3 was perfectly balanced, both on a strap and while sitting down. The neck profile had a slight v but was not really noticeable. The tone on the Mk1 was a little more "bitey", but that could be any combination of woods, etc. I much preferred the Mk3 personally!
I've heard that the Mk2's were more ergonomic, but historically were a lot heavier. That might be different with newer builds though!
I've heard that the Mk2's were more ergonomic, but historically were a lot heavier. That might be different with newer builds though!
I have 2 mk 3s and a mk 2. Both mk 3s (4 and 5 str) feel much better (lighter and better balanced) to play compared to the mk 2 4 str.
I think the mk 2 looks better but I find myself grabbing the mk 3s out of comfort. If Im able to get another order in itd be a mk 3
so what exactly makes it more comfortable to play the Mk3 over the Mk2? Did you ever play a Mk1?
The mk 3 rests in a natural playing position on a strap and doesn't dive in either direction while sitting. The mk 2 is a bit more neck heavy while sitting and standing and also weighs a bit more than the 3. The mk 2 lower horn is also slightly less comfortable on my leg as well.
I haven't played a mk 1 but based on the strap button placement and horn size it looks like it would neck dive more than the other 2 models as well as require a longer reach for the first fret position
I don't notice too much neck dive on my Mk1's. True that the first fret is a bit further away, but that has the advantage that the higher frets are closer. So if you play a lot of high stuff (as I do) a Mk1 is good for that. I think a Mk1 is the best looking Wal and has a bit more classic bity Wal tone though.
Reading this a four string Mk3 would be perfect for me. If someone is interested in a swap for a Mk1 let me know.
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I gigged my MK1 fretless for about two years. Having come from Fender and MusicMan, I found the reach to the low notes weird and uncomfortable…initially. I did adapt over time, though. It was worth it for the sound!
My brand new bass is a Mk2 body, and I specified a 4kg target weight. I wanted it to be close in feel and balance to my 78 StingRay. The Mk2 body gets the nut "closer" and generally makes the whole instrument feel a lot more ergonomic.
It's hands-down the greatest instrument I've ever played and owned. Paul's basses are next level.
My brand new bass is a Mk2 body, and I specified a 4kg target weight. I wanted it to be close in feel and balance to my 78 StingRay. The Mk2 body gets the nut "closer" and generally makes the whole instrument feel a lot more ergonomic.
It's hands-down the greatest instrument I've ever played and owned. Paul's basses are next level.
Isn't the lower horn of an Mk2 poking in your leg too much when sitting? And is the bass not sliding away when sitting? because the horn is so small.
I've been intrigued about the LaBella black nylon tapes for awhile, and I finally decided to pull the trigger after seeing Kulit17's (and others') positive reports on these strings from some time ago. I just put the fretless neck back on about two weeks ago along with these strings, and I'm really liking them a lot.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the recommendation!
It sits fine on the lap. I've done 4 three-set gigs with it sitting, no dramas. Like any new instrument it felt a tad odd initially, but it settled quickly for me.
ok great, thanks for the info. I guess I should just try a Mk2 or Mk3 four string one time and see how it compares to my Mk1. It's just that I am playing a lot of high solo and chord stuff and I am missing the last three frets........
What more does one need?
A couple of New York's finest and well…England's absolute home run!
A couple of New York's finest and well…England's absolute home run!
So cool Mike! I owned that 412 a while ago. Had an Aguilar DB412 at one point too. They're a lot of fun. I never had the chance to try a Bergantino NV412 which would have completed my big cab journey. Never had a chance to own the Strategy but I definitely demo'd it at a music shop a few times. I preferred it over the Prodigy.
How often do you play the 5er during a set?
Thanks Chris. I have both the Prodigy and Strategy as well as a Bass 400, but the Prodigy gets used the most since its only 29 lbs.
The 5 strings are my primary players so most times I bring two 5ers. Most of our catalog is dance/r&b so lots of low stuff that would normally be keyboard-bass songs. At times we'll do 80s or old skool sets and I'll bring along a 4 banger.
The 5 strings are my primary players so most times I bring two 5ers. Most of our catalog is dance/r&b so lots of low stuff that would normally be keyboard-bass songs. At times we'll do 80s or old skool sets and I'll bring along a 4 banger.
Not 'exactly' Wal related - but RUSH related ---this is a Rush tribute band - and at the 45 second mark, he explains a few riffs etc - looks like he is using a Wal replica of some sort - he mentions it IIRC.
Anywho - these guys are pretty good IMO...and the Wal group has been fairly quiet all week. lol
Anywho - these guys are pretty good IMO...and the Wal group has been fairly quiet all week. lol
